Many people suffer from leg pain, either chronically or acutely. It is indiscriminate of age, race, or gender, and it can range from a dull, mild ache to debilitating stabbing pains. The pain can be in both legs or just in one. This pain can be caused by a range of different issues, although long periods of standing, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, muscle fatigue, spasm, cramps, and injuries are the most common reasons. Injuries including things like tendonitis, strain, or fractures. Some medical conditions, including nerve damage, spider veins, gout, arthritis, diabetes, restless leg syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis can also be at the heart of the issue. Usually, no medical assistance is required and home remedies for leg pain can be all that is needed. If the pain becomes severe or doesn’t stop, however, a consultation with a physician may be required.
Some Home Remedies for Leg Pain:
1. Cold compresses, which can be very beneficial if the pain is caused by physical strain. This numbs the area, while also controlling inflammation and swelling. To make a cold compress, simply wrap some ice cubs or a frozen product in a towel and apply for around 15 minutes, on an elevated leg. Repeat several times over a day.
2. Massages, which can help people recover faster if the injury is muscular. This was demonstrated in a Science Translational Medicine Journal study in 2012, which showed that a 10 minute massage can reduce inflammation after injury. Use some warm mustard, coconut, or olive oil on the leg and massage it for around 10 minutes. Repeat twice or three times per day.
3. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Add a teaspoon of the herb to warm sesame oil and make a paste. Apply to the leg and leave for 30 minutes, then rinse. You can repeat this twice. You can also add turmeric to hot milk and consume twice per day, or take a turmeric supplement (do consult with your physician first).
4. Apple cider vinegar, which helps with gout and arthritis pain, as it alkalizes the body, dissolving uric acid crystals. It also lowers the toxin buildup in connective tissue and joints, while providing calcium and potassium, which lowers inflammation and pain. Add two cups to a bath and soak for 30 minutes, once a day. Alternatively, add some to warm water with raw honey and drink two times per day.
5. Epsom salt, which is high in magnesium, which regulates the body’s nerve signals. It relaxes the muscles and reduces swelling, inflammation, and pain. This is one of the oldest home remedies for leg pain. Add half a cup to a hot bath and soak for 15 minutes two or three times weekly.
6. Eat foods rich in magnesium, including green leafy vegetables, black strap molasses, walnuts, soy milk, tofu, pumpkin seeds, and bananas. Magnesium supplements can help if your physician agrees.
7. Tart cherry juice can help if muscle strain is the cause of the pain. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while also treating injuries to soft tissue. This was demonstrated by a study in the Medicine and Sports Science journal, published in 2012. It was found that tart cherry juice is as effective as over the counter pain killers, but safer. You can eat cherries or drink juice. However, stop if you develop diarrhea or abdominal discomfort.
